Bruichladdich Eighteen, 50%

A whiff of wood smoke or char on the nose, creating an overlay to more classic notes of stone fruit, mango, red berries, apples, and vanilla. Still lots of fruited liveliness beneath the initial smoke, which develops more toward cigar box and cigar ash. The palate offers honeyed sweetness, crème brûlée, coconut cream, tropical fruits, red berries, and pepper spice. Smooth and mellow on the finish, but the flavors don’t linger long. No. 2 in our Top 20 of 2024.